David Leroy Stokes, affectionately known as “Dave” and “Hawkeye,” passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on October 13, 2025, at the Greens of Maple Leaf in Statesville, N.C. Born on December 13, 1944, in Alexander County, N.C., David was the beloved son of the late James Wiley Stokes and Myrtie Lee Smith Stokes. He was married to his beloved wife, Annie Christine Mayberry Stokes, who preceded him in death on January 24, 2025.

Dave received his education in the Alexander County School System. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Kewaunee Tech as a supervisor, where he worked faithfully for fifty years. He was a faithful member of Zion Chapel AME Zion Church until his illness. He served as a Trustee, the Men’s Boosters and the Men’s Choir. He loved watching westerns and NASCAR. He loved spending time with his best buddy, Memphis, and spending time with his family. Dave will truly be missed.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Arthur Stokes, Osburn Stokes, Dollie B. Stokes, James Stokes, Walter Stokes, Vera Stokes, Ruth Wellman, Mary Edna Clark, Juanita White, Fred Stokes, Ned Stokes, Robert Stokes, Rosetta Brandon, Alberta Lackey and Sylvester Stokes.

David leaves to cherish the memory of his life four daughters, Tina Delaine Stokes of the home, Melissa Faye Stokes, Fonda Annette Stokes and Jennifer Damita Stokes; four grandchildren, Latoya Stokes, Autumnn Ramsey, Symone Stokes and Kordell Millsaps; four great grandchildren, McKenzi Stokes, Kazyah Miller, Memphis Cauthen, and Stephon Heller; one brother, Ted Stokes Sr.; one sister, Vesther Dalton; two bonus sons, Henry Ellis and Kenneth Bennett; in-laws, Cecil (Valerie) Mayberry, Leon (Claudette) Mayberry, Emily, Melvin, Gwen, Denise and Wanda Mayberry; three special friends, Charlie Feimster, John Rucker and Rev. Ernest Stinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and dear friends.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Stokes family.